Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 88

Xena's POV

"He's at the swing set in the west corner of the playground," William said, looking at me with concerned eyes.

"Thanks," I replied, giving Ama and William a small wave before walking out of the room

and heading toward the playground.

The wind had picked up outside, whipping my hair around my face as I spotted Ryder sitting alone on a swing, staring off into the distance. His broad shoulders were hunched slightly, his light blonde hair ruffled by the breeze. My heart clenched at the sight of him.

"Ryder..." I called softly.

He stopped swinging, only turning his head slightly to glance at me, his expression unreadable. Those green eyes that usually looked at me with such intensity now seemed

distant, guarded.

"I'm sorry," I said, walking up to stand in front of him. I reached out, cupping his face between my hands. "You did something really sweet for me, and I didn't respond the right way. I truly appreciate everything you've done."

Ryder remained motionless, saying nothing. The silence built between us like a wall, thick and impenetrable. My heart raced in my chest, each beat painful against my ribs.

"Ryder, please?" I whispered, my voice catching. The fear of his rejection cut deeper than any physical wound ever could. I felt like I couldn't breathe, each second of waiting draining what little courage I had left. "I really am sorry."

He sighed, finally standing up from the swing. Fear washed over me like a tidal wave, my heart gripped tight in an invisible fist. Once again, I'd messed up a relationship. Once again, I'd disappointed someone who cared about me.

I rose on my tiptoes and pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead before turning to leave, my chest aching with each breath.

A strong gust of wind swept through the playground, blowing my hair across my face and hiding the tears that had started rolling down my cheeks. Just then, Ama and William

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Chapter 88

came running over.

"X?" Ama asked, her voice filled with concern.

"You guys have fun. I'm going for a walk," I said, heading down the steps, desperate to escape the suffocating scene.

"What the hell, Ryder?" I could still hear William's angry question behind me.

you more than she's given anyone, and you're letting tonight go to waste over this?" Ama's accusatory

up was so damn hard for me,

my life. I just kept walking as the sun began to

I sat down on a bench, letting the warm breeze

move out tomorrow anyway,

I looked up to see

heart sank even further. In that moment, the spark of hope died, replaced by a

she said

a sad smile as she sat down and reached for

hand.

hard for

I'm trying too. My voice was barely audible as I struggled to make her understand I wasn't unwilling to change,

one knows that

hear my apology," I sighed, the weight

chest.

just not ready

the bright side, this birthday won't be worse than the others," I said with a

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Chapter 88

remembering all those lonely birthdays-no cake, no well-wishes,

stare and

time. He'll

or after tomorrow?" I looked at her, the uncertainty evident in my eyes.

afraid of losing him, more afraid

smiled, then looked over my

see

stood up

"Thank you," I whispered.

him in. He loves you," her words lingered in my ear as she

of the bench, the distance between

damn child waiting for my father

will," I finally

my arm with

stood up nervously and walked over to him. Ryder spread his legs, making room for

comfort in his warmth and

feeling the walls inside

of?" he asked,

of power over me," I admitted, the